Discussions By Condition: Blood conditions

Need Info, Please!

I've recently experienced unexplained weight loss (from size 8 to size 6, don't know how many lbs. that would be) which occurred between mid-Sep 07 & mid-Nov 07, have been extremely fatigued, and wake up every day wet with sweat. Looking back to when these problems started, I noticed a lump on my neck around the beginning of Oct 07 (don't know how long it may have been there before I noticed it); it was on the rear of my neck to the left of my spine, but it wasn't very big (about 1/2"), and didn't hurt so I didn't think anything of it. Now, however, (Jan 08), it has gotten to be what feels like about a 2" lump, extending from the original spot around to the left side of my neck. It does not feel "squishy" as swollen glands in the past have, and does not move at all. I also have developed very itchy skin (mostly on upper torso) without any rashes, and also have a weakness in my left arm with a 'pins & needles' feeling in the fingers of my left hand which started just at the tips but now extends to the second joint of the fingers (not as much in the pinky). This is only in my left hand. I have not had any infections, sore throats, flu, etc. I also have not had any high-grade fevers; whether I may have had any low-grade fevers, I don't know. I am not able to get to my doctor for at least two-four more weeks because of an insurance snafu. Is this is lymphoma, and if so, could this delay hurt me? Also, could the symptoms in my left arm and hand be caused by the enlarged node pressing on a nerve, or are they something else entirely?

3 Replies:

Well, I'm nothing near an expert in the topic, but if I were you I'd go to the doctor's to make sure...Main symptoms of lymphoma include:- fevers, chills- night sweats- unexplained weight-loss- lack of energy- itchingaccording to http://www.emedicinehealth.com/lymphoma/page4_em.htm#When%20to%20Seek%20Medical%20CareDo you experience any swelling of limbs? Has any swelling occurred in your armpit or groint? If you notice any of these, you should definitely see a doctor.Don't panic till the doc sees you, it might as well be nothing of this kind. :)anna

Enlarged lymph nodes are usually associated with a bacterial infection or viral infection e.g. swollen lymph nodes in the neck are normally caused by severe throat infections. However, the swelling does subside when the infection has cleared up. Persistent swelling is a concern for cancer as this should not be happening unless there is a bacterial or viral infection. Some other symptoms of lymphoma include fever & sweating at night, abdominal swelling & discomfort, anaemia which would cause tiredness, pale skin & shortness of breath. Itching is not a symptom of lymphoma only in a very rare type of lymphoma.http://www.healthknow.info/lymphatic_system.asp

Hello, and thank you for replying. I did get to the Dr.'s on 02/15, had a complete physical workup and pap smear and blood drawn. (Initial results of the blood showed some low values, but at least I'm not anemic). My Dr. said he's not as concerned with the lump on my neck as he is with my lungs (yes, I am an evil smoker), so he sent me for an immediate chest x-ray, then scheduled me for a head & neck CT scan (with & without contrast) on 02/22, a mammogram on 03/06, and return visit to him on 03/14 (or sooner, I guess, depending on the results.) I called today (02/18) and was told that the chest x-ray was negative, but before I could get too excited about what I thought was good news, his nurse told me the Dr. had ordered a chest CT scan (with & without contrast), which hopefully can be done when they do the head & neck on 02/22. I am really stressing that even with the negative chest x-ray, my Dr. still seems to be focusing on this being lung cancer. Or is he just being extremely cautious??